BC Hydro short-lists three bidders to replace 126-MW John Hart

BC Hydro has short-listed three consortia to design and build a 138-MW replacement of the 126-MW John Hart Generating Station on the Campbell River in British Columbia.

The project currently is undergoing an environmental and regulatory review by the B.C. Utilities Commission, with a decision expected by spring 2013. The project, estimated to cost between C$1 billion and C$1.2 billion (US$984 million and US$1.18 billion), seeks to address safety, reliability, and environmental issues of the 65-year-old facility on Vancouver Island.

A request for proposals has been issued to the three groups, with a contract to be awarded in spring 2013. The project is expected to create 400 jobs a year through completion in late 2018.

The proposed project is to construct a replacement intake at John Hart Spillway Dam; reduce the plant footprint by replacing three 1.8-kilometer pipelines with a 2.1-kilometer tunnel; construct a replacement power plant next to the existing plant; and build a new water bypass.

The new hydro plant is to include three 46-MW turbine-generators, replacing the six current 21-MW units.